"In Palestine, not only civilians are losing their lives, but humanity's collective conscience is being destroyed"

Emine Erdoğan began her speech by offering prayers for the Palestinians who lost their lives in the attacks carried out by Israel in Gaza since October 7. Erdoğan stated, "In Palestine, not only civilians are losing their lives, but humanity's collective conscience and shared hope are also being recklessly destroyed. In these times when hatred, war, and hostility are spreading rapidly, we need initiatives to establish peace and justice and strengthen the culture of coexistence more than ever. I sincerely hope for an end to this oppression and for peace and tranquility to prevail in the region."

"In Palestine, not only civilians are losing their lives, but humanity's collective conscience is being destroyed."

Emine Erdoğan began her speech by offering condolences to the Palestinians who lost their lives in the attacks carried out by Israel in Gaza since October 7. She said, "In Palestine, not only civilians are losing their lives, but humanity's collective conscience and shared hope are being recklessly destroyed. At a time when hatred, war, and hostility are spreading rapidly, we urgently need initiatives that establish peace and justice and strengthen the culture of coexistence. I sincerely hope for this oppression to end immediately and for peace and tranquility to return to the region."

"Against the climate crisis and the countless problems it brings, we have a great power: this moment we hold."

Highlighting that cities are a product of civilization, Emine Erdoğan stated, "Cities not only bring individuals together but also concretely manifest the culture and civilization jointly developed by their inhabitants."

Drawing attention to the rapid urbanization, she said, "We have a great power against the climate crisis that is rapidly transforming our environment and the countless problems it brings: this moment we hold." Erdoğan also pointed out that by 2050, 70% of the world's population will live in cities and emphasized, "Without waiting for 2030, it is time to establish cities and lives where sustainability, justice, and prosperity prevail for everyone."

"We witness that the achievements in our country have crossed borders, giving rise to a global movement."

Underlining the importance of the Zero Waste Project, Erdoğan said, "The Zero Waste Project, which we launched six years ago in Türkiye, has become clear evidence of this potential for us. Today, we witness that the achievements in our country have crossed borders, giving rise to a global movement."

Referring to the Global Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration signed with UN Secretary-General António Guterres last year, Erdoğan stated, "The 'Global Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration,' whose first signatures we placed with UN Secretary-General Mr. Guterres last year, has transformed into a partnership of dreams, involving dozens of first ladies, ministers, and international representatives."

"A Zero Waste Foundation has been established to strengthen the gains achieved at all levels through the Zero Waste Project."

Expressing pride in the adoption of the Zero Waste Resolution by the UN General Assembly with 105 co-sponsoring countries, Erdoğan said, "I am proud that Türkiye has taken the lead in the adoption of the Zero Waste Resolution by the UN General Assembly with 105 co-sponsoring countries."

She noted that a Zero Waste Advisory Board, linked to the UN Secretary-General, was established under the resolution and stated, "The main mission of the board I chair is to identify examples of success in zero waste initiatives, similar to those in Türkiye, and to encourage implementation at both local and global levels." Additionally, she announced the establishment of a Zero Waste Foundation to strengthen the gains achieved at all levels through the Zero Waste Project.

"We plan to establish a Global Zero Waste Fund."

Emine Erdoğan mentioned that they would initiate efforts to establish a global Zero Waste Fund under the leadership of the Zero Waste Advisory Board. She added, "I firmly believe that during its three-year term, our advisory board will undertake significant work on waste management."

Zero Waste Advisory Board to Convene in Istanbul

Erdoğan announced, "After holding an online introductory meeting on July 26, the board will hold its first official meeting tomorrow, on November 1, in Istanbul, God willing," underlining the significance of the event.

Praise from the UN Secretary-General and UN-Habitat Officials

In a video message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of Emine Erdoğan's efforts on zero waste and extended his best wishes for the meeting in Istanbul.

UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif highlighted that the Zero Waste Project has now reached a global scale. She congratulated Türkiye on its centenary and thanked Emine Erdoğan for her contributions.